Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Sunday, 15 September 2013

What to Wear: Winter 2013

The cold is coming people! It's time to pack away your shorts and start layering up for winter. Most of you will be able to pull out your winter wardrobe from last year but we'll all need to inject a few key pieces in to our capsule collection to keep up with the latest trends. Here's the key trends for AW 2013...

Tartan

Seen on the catwalks of Yves Saint Laurent, Mulberry, Givenchy and Versace, tartan is back and it is THE no. 1 must have for your wardrobe. 

Red Check Print T-Shirt - New Look - £17.99

Red Check Jersey Skater - New Look - £14.99

Tartan Check Leggings - Matalan - £8.00

Purple

Violet, mulberry and mauve dominated the runway at Gucci and Elie Saab - it's the perfect colour for those cold winter months. Power to the purple!

TOP PICK

I absolutely adore this burgundy fringed jacket, it's bold textured look makes it a perfect statement piece to invest in. Wear it with skinny jeans for a glam daytime look or dress it up with a classic LBD and some statement gold jewellery. Whatever you wear it with - you'll be the centre of attention! 

Eyelash Fringe Jacket - River Island - £40.00
Burgundy Coated Jeans - New Look - £27.00

Heart Print Skater - Matalan - £14.00


Metallics

Metallics here again for winter so dig out your gold, silver and bronze outfits and go from drab to fab in an instant. The metallic trend is just so easy to wear and a great fashion buy because it come back season after season. The great thing about metallic is that it's no longer just a dress it up trend - with items like this sequin tee - daytime casual just got a little bit more glam!
Cameo Rose Gold Sequin Tee - New Look - £19.99

Silver Metallic Scuba Skirt - River Island - £28


Oversized Outerwear

So many of catwalks this year rocked amazing oversized outerwear - from Vivienne Westwood right through to Chanel and DKNY. If you want to make your own statement this winter then invest in a giganti-coat! Wear with tights or skinnies to avoid looking heavier.

Grey Coat - Zara - £89.99
Tweed Padded Parka - Matalan - £45.00


Joyce Jacket by Motel - Topshop - £55.00

The great thing about this seasons trends are that they are all really wearable for everyone. From metallic and sequin tops right through to mulberry coloured basics. There's so much to choose from - now go - wear the trends people! But don't get the Zara Coat - 'cause I want that one!

Thursday, 12 September 2013

Cheap Winter Boots 2013

Unlike the rest of the UK, I'm actually looking forward to the Winter months because... well... I love boots!! Last year I found the perfect pair of Joe Brown knee highs - I wore them to the point of no return and sadly they had to go to shoe heaven. This year I'm on the look out for a new pair. These are my ultimate money no object boots...

Dune Toffee Riding Boots 


Riding boots are just perfect for Autumn Winter. It's great to wear them with Summer dresses during that awkward transitional phase. It lets me wear my summer dresses for just a little bit longer before the weather hits 0 degrees and I'm in full on knits. These boots are amazing but way out of my price league - I'm a mum on a budget after all - and I just don't have the cash these days. So, to save you all a job,  I've been bargain hunting for all of us. Here are my top budget buys ...


First up are these Ambre Studded Western Style Boots are bang on trend and at only £12 from Boohoo

Western Style Boots are great as we come out of Summer - you can wear them with a dress for a festival chic look or with skinnies for a casual daytime outfit. These black studded boots are great - embellishment is key for the season ahead.


If you fancy something a bit lighter for Autumn then these Accomplice Leather Boots from ASOS are perfect and they're only £17.50 (was £55.00)!

The great think about these is the smaller heel - great for a day out shopping - you'll be able to hot foot around all the shops without breaking your back. These will look fab with bluewash skinnies and the essential cable knit that's key for Winter.

I also love these tan Fringe Western Boots from ASOS at only £20 (was £85.00). They're not as easy to wear but the celebs having been wearing them right through the Summer.





If you're after a classic never-go-out-of fashion boot then look no further than and these fab Moda in Pelle Chelsea Boots they're effortlessly stylish and only £39.95 (was £59.99)






Finally, if you're after an Ugg style boot but don't have the pennies then check out these Pinapple Knitted Boots now £15 at New Look (was £29.99)

...or these Board Angels One Button Boots for just £12.99 at M and M Direct but be careful in the rain - these boots aren't known for their waterproof properties!






As for me, I'm still on the look out for some discount riding boots -I'll give you a shout once I find some!!







Friday, 17 May 2013

This Summer's MUST HAVE cover up - The Kimono - Top 10 under £25

Right, hands up - who is living in fear that now the sun is starting to make an appearance?

No? Not owning up? Well I am. Don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather but my 'bikini body' isn't exactly going to plan. The diet is always starting 'next week' and my gym subscription flutters out of my bank account despite my 2 month absence. For me, Winter's been fab - I've wrapped myself up in chunky knits and hidden my wobbly bits under my winter woolies. But what now?

The suns coming out (gasp) and I can't just hide in the shadows til it goes away. So what's the plan? I can't be seen in my drab black cardi now that we're almost in to summer.

Well don't worry ladies, I have the answer...

 It's totally time to get yourself a kimono.

 A kimono? Yes I know what some of you are thinking...


but no... obviously I am not suggesting that you lose your winter wardrobe and don traditional Japanese dress for the summer - that would just be silly - although a great cover up if you do get desperate!

No... instead I am hear to tell you about this seasons must have item - THE KIMONO STYLE JACKET  - a lightweight cover up that will keep you looking stylish right though the summer months. Perfect if you want to wear a vest top but aren't comfortable flashing the flesh.

Trust me,a kimono is the answer to all of our prayers. It's light, it covers the arms and you can wear it for almost any occasion - it'll keep you looking on trend even if - like me - you've still got a mummy tummy despite giving birth alomost 3 years ago!

Pack one in your suitcase for ultimate versatility - kimono's are perfect as a poolside cover up or as a lightweight jacket for those cool nights at the bar.

And, as I know you lazy lot hate searching around for you're own bargain buys, I've picked my top 10 favourites and they're all under £25...

GO GO GO!
Emma Multi Ethnic Print Kimono WAS £20.00 NOW £15.00

 
Next Green Floral Kimono Style Wrap £25

Black Chiffon Kimono £14.99

Rare Butterfly Print Kimono Jacket WAS £35.00 NOW £17.00
Rainbow Print Kimono £8
G21 Sheer Printed Kimono £14
Innocence Black Fringe Kimono WAS £24.99 NOW £17.00
Red Herring Floral Kimono Wrap Jacket WAS £28.00 NOW £22.40
Prophecy Snake Print Kimono WAS £78.00 NOW £20.50

Influence Floral Sheer Kimono Jacket WAS £18.00 NOW £8.00

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Land's End Blogger Style Challenge

A couple of weeks ago I was contact by the lovely peeps over at Lands End and asked if I would like to take part in their "Styling the School Run" Blogger Challenge. I jumped at the chance and scurried off to pick my perfect dress from their Autumn/Winter dress collection.



Being a bit 'bottom heavy' I opted for the Welt Pocket Ponte Jersey Dress in black. The cut is perfect or us ladies with curves as it skims over the hip and bum area and the colour is perfect for dressing up or down depending on the occasion.

I had high hopes for the dress and it didn't disappoint. The material is a luxurious viscose / elastene / nylon mix - it clings in all the right places and skims the bits you might like to hide. The cut of the waist pulls gives the appearance of a slender waist and allows you to wear a belt of your choice.

I'm in to a bit of scarf styling at the moment so I had a play about with various ways to wear. Take a peek at the looks you can create with pieces already in your wardrobe...

Keep it formal for work meetings with a neck scarf in a bold colour or print

.
Add a cream scarf to brighten up you look. 

If you need to dress it up for a work lunch or after work drinks then move the scarf to your waist.


For a more casual work look I added a white cardigan 


and of course it works with any coat from casual leather...


to smart grey wool knits...


It's a great dress, classic, simple but sharp. The fit is perfect and it washes well (on a cold wash as per the instructions.) It will certainly be gracing my wardrobe for the season ahead - in fact I'd say that this is my new wardrobe hero! Perfect with black or coloured tights and shoe boots through the Winter and then bare legs and pumps come Spring. Go check out the full range now at Lands End or head to these wonderful blogs to see their Style Challenge Results:








Monday, 17 September 2012

Review: Boots Mini Club Autumn Winter 2012



A couple of weeks ago the lovely people at Mini Club (you know - off of Boots) got in touch to ask if we would be interested in taking a peek at their new Autumn Winter Collection. I jumped at the chance because Winter is my favourite season for fashion - you can never have enough Winter warmers - there's nothing better than layering up for the cold weather!

A week or so later, two lovely packages arrived - a blue one for Mister A and pink one for Little E. They couldn't wait to rip them apart to see what was inside. 



I should say, prior to this review I had purchased a few bits from Mini Club before but only if there was an offer on. I tend to get the children's clothes from the supermarkets for 'non-special' occasions as the prices are so low however the quality,  isn't great. I was looking forward to putting these garments through the 'wear & wash' test to see how they perform versus the cheaper brands.



Mister A wears...

Mini Club Boys Colour Block Gilet
£14.00

I absolutely love this gilet and was really pleased to see it in the package. The colour blocking is great  - on trend for the season - and Mister A loves it. It's a great transitional piece for the Autumn. We always um and ah over whether to wear coats in our house but this solves the issue. The chunky zip is perfect for little hands and the retro feel adds to the style. Definitely a hit!





Mini Club Boys 3 Pack Long Sleeve Tops
£14.00

These three pack long sleeve tops are great value, they're 100% cotton and are so soft and comfortable. They go with anything from smart pants to jeans and go great with the gilet we mentioned above. These have washed really well and haven't lost colour. The only downside for us was that you can't tumble dry them. Aside from that we love them.




Mini Club Boys Belted Jean
£14.00

Mister A's final piece was these fab classic 100% cotton worn wash jeans. The best thing about these is that despite them being aged 5-6 they still have the adjustable button/elastic waist - a must have for us. In addition the belt is perfect and easy for Mister A to adjust himself.


Little E wears...



Mini Club Girls Chunky Knit Navy Cardigan
£14.00
I love the fit of this chunky knit cardigan The description says navy but it's on the purple side if you ask me - which is even better. It's toasty warm and works well with all outfits - skirts and trousers. I think we'll be seeing a lot of this over the next few months. Great value too!



Mini Club Girls 3 Pack Long Sleeved Tops
£12.00

You can never have too many t-shirts and this 3 pack will not let you down. As I mentioned with the boys pack- these are so soft - with a brushed cotton feel. The colours and prints are funky and right on trend for the cold season. Little E loves them and again they have washed really well.


Mini Club Girls Short & Tight Set 
£13.00

I love shorts and tights in the Winter and this set will look fabulous with camel boots. Cord is huge this season and these camel shorts look fab layered with the bright blue tights. Little E looked so cute in this set and loved being a little fashionista. As with the jeans - these have an internal adjustable waist meaning we'll get a lot more wear out of them. Perfect!


This review has actually changed my opinion of the way I buy. I have been buying cheaper clothes for the children but in all honesty Ive had to throw a lot away because the fabric doesn't wash well or stitching has come away. These Mini Club clothes are a bit more expensive but the difference in quality is immense. I'll definitely be popping in to Boots this week to see the rest of the range. I am totally recommending Mini Club - for great trends and value for money - you can't lose. Plus there's the added bonus of collecting advantage card points too - winner! And for those of you that don't know, Mini Club is made for Boots by Mothercare  - another trusted brand in our household.




So that's my verdict, but judge for yourselves - Mister A and Little E love their new outfits. I love that they are on trend, comfortable and amazing quality and although these pieces are a little more than I would usually spend, given the quality of the garments they are definitely value for money.

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Review: Hi Tec St Moritz Snow Boots



It's only a matter of time before the snow arrives so when I was asked to review these amazing Hi-Tec St. Moritz Snow Boots I jumped at the chance. I fell in love with them the minute I saw them. When they finally arrived I was like a child on Christmas Day. I just think they are stunning - I even used up half my memory card taking pictures of them...









Since then, regardless of the lack of snow, I've worn them on every 'mild' day there's been! They are sooooooo comfy!

I just love attention to detail on them. Snow boots can be so ugly. FACT. These are just gorgeous and the pictures don't do them justice.

The Snow Boots use Hi-Tec's Thermo-Dri waterproof technology to make them the ideal casual winter boot. With a fleece lined upper and Thinsulate insulation your feet will be toasty and dry all winter long - whatever the weather. 

The faux fur collar and fashion detail will keep you at the top of the style stakes whether your all-weather Christmas shopping or heading to the slopes.

The St. Moritz also comes with a removable sockliner and a moulded foot bed with a moisture wicking lining to keep your feet fresh and dry. 

I just LOVE them - can you tell? I'm even willing it to snow!!

Features
  • Waterproof suede leather and mesh upper 
  • 200 grams Thinsulate™ insulation 
  • Metal top hooks and Ghilley lacing system 
  • Abrasion heel and toecap for protection 
  • Faux-fur linings for warmth 
  • Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner 
  • Board lasted with steel shank for added rigidity and support 
  • CMEVA midsole for cushioning 
  • Winter traction, siped outsole rubber design 

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